Martin Hundziak returns to Recycling Lives after spending a month in Thailand

Martin Hundziak returns to Recycling Lives after spending a month in Thailand

The Marketing department this week welcomed back copywriter Martin Hundziak- who spent the past four weeks in Phuket, Thailand, at the Sinbi Muay Thai Gym. Muay Thai- or Thai boxing- is the national sport of Thailand, and every year hundreds of people flock to the country to learn under the best fighters and trainers.

The trip of a lifetime was a year in the planning, and saw Martin living at a professional Muay Thai gym, training around six hours a day, six days a week. The gruelling schedule paid off, as Martin was offered his first professional Muay Thai fight at the Bangla Boxing Stadium, Phuket. Due to an unexpected last-minute change of opponents, however, he found himself facing an experienced local boxer with around 200 fights under his belt.

Despite the vast difference in experience, Martin gave it his best. It was not to be, though, as the referee stopped the contest in the second round due to swelling around his left eye after an elbow strike from his opponent.

“Going to Thailand I hadn’t really intended to do a fight,” Martin said, “but the trainers at Sinbi asked if I wanted to and, after a little thought, I decided ‘why not?’ It was a fantastic experience and, despite losing the fight, I have gained a tremendous amount from it.”

In addition to slugging it out in the gym and in the ring, Martin took the time to discover more of what Thailand has to offer, including elephant trekking, local markets, Buddhist temples and, of course, exploring the island’s beautiful beaches.

“Thailand is a wonderful place- beautiful country, great weather, friendly people and amazing food. And of course Muay Thai! I met some great people and made memories that I will never forget. The whole trip was an unbelievable experience and I can’t wait to go back.”